Altered (2006) Review

Fifteen years ago, five friends, Cody (Paul McCarthy-Boyington), Duke (Brad William Henke), Otis (Michael C Williams), Wyatt (Adam Kaufman), and Timmy were abducted by aliens. Otis, Duke, and Wyatt have spent endless years returning to the spot where the horrible incident took place in hopes of capturing one of the creatures that had caused them so much suffering. Cody on the other hand has become a shut in who lives in constant fear of the creatures return. One night during one of their routine hunts for one of the creatures, they find themselves in possession of one, very much alive, and take it hostage, bringing it to Cody knowing he's their only hope of surviving now that they have captured one. So begins the intense gore infused ride that is "Altered"


I had never heard of this film, but Shawn, knowing that I have a huge obsession with the Alien sub genre of horror, recommended I give it a watch since it was on Netflix instaview. Wow, talk about a movie that deserves way more recognition than it's received. When I think about alien abduction movies, the following films come to mind "Close Encounters of The Third Kind", "The Fourth Kind", "Fire in The Sky", and now "Altered". Directed by Eduardo Sánchez famous for "The Blair Witch Project" and the upcoming "Blair Witch Project 3" this is by far his strongest film in my personal opinion.





The storyline is very original, beautifully written, and pulled off in a flawless manner "Altered" will leave you on edge and with a constant sense of building tension until the very end. This is further supported by the astounding acting done by all those involved. The characters are believable, and fear and emotion are portrayed impeccably. It baffles me how this did not receive a theatrical release. I believe it would of made a killing at the box office given the proper amount of marketing, and released during the right season.





Gore wise, this film is also incredible, with good old fashion practical effects, and CG used only when absolutely needed, and very sparing as it should be. I found myself constantly saying "Oh My God" out loud throughout the entire flick as it kept one upping itself with sheer blood soaked ultra realistic looking gore. There is a scene in this movie that is forever embedded into my sub conscious for the rest of my existence, involving an alien and a man held captive in a very grisly manner which is all I will say because I hope your jaw hits the floor as mine did when you see it for yourself.





Overall I really enjoyed "Altered" and now add it to my list of alien abduction movies worth watching again and again. I highly recommend this to any fan of the sub genre, not only as a watch but as a buy, for those just looking for a fun gore filled flick to watch with some friends, this should also be moved to the top of your to view list. On behalf of The Liberal Dead I give "Altered" a 9 out of 10 and award for best use of guts in a film in a very long time.

9/10

- Ted "Ritualistic" Brown